Investor · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2017 · 30 posts · 6 votes
I formed an LLC in Washington State, used the UBI I received to obtain an EIN and am now wondering if I need to also file for a business license too. According to these general LLC startup guides, you do, but I do not and will not have a store front. So is the business license really necessary?
I also went through the motions of registering for one online to see what questions were asked and noticed that, because my registered agent is located in Tacoma, (using that address to continue my anonymity) it was suggesting I also register in the city where my home office is located and where I will actually be conducting most of my business from.
Just looking for some guidance on the subject and appreciate any insights you have.
Requirements for a business license are set by your local taxing jurisdictions. Depending upon your state, county, and city requirements, each taxing jurisdiction where you "operate" your business may require a business license. If you are operating out of Tacoma, then start at the city level for guidance on whether a business license is needed for what your business does.
I just called the business licensing department and spoke to someone who said I need to use the address where I will be physically working from. Since I'm working from home she said I cannot use my registered agent address in Tacoma, I have to use my home address in Vancouver. This makes sense, but I do not want my home address because it would be available for public eyes.
When filling out the BL application, there is the possibility of filing the BL in two cities within WA state, there's just an additional fee for the second city.
My question is, if I want to retain my privacy, should I just use the registered agent address for the initial location and then add on Vancouver as the second city of operation?
Hi Greg,
I don't have a solid answer for you, but I opened up a mailbox with a physical address for all of my business mailings. It's inexpensive and gives me an address that looks "real." I am also in Vancouver and would love to connect. I tried to send you a message you but your settings are private.
Thanks!
Christine